Holmes isn't supposed to be a DIY show. There are a few out there, but I doubt many if any home owners would attack the problems that Holmes does. It's more about pointing out problems and getting them fixed than a tutorial.

Chris, actually the framing that they do with screws is not structurally, second, look at it to the point, that they have to correct what the crook builder did. Quit defending the crooks, because without them, people like Holmes would not be around to fix the problems they create.

Actually it is structural framing-when installing floor joists that support the live and dead loads of a floor, this is referred to as structural framing. I've seen them do this several times.

I've also seen them build a garage-this one takes the cake-banged their walls together with screws, then sat there with impacts and screwed the plywood sheathing on

I'm not "defending the crooks" I see some of the work they do, and it's worth criminal charges. However the other end of this is ensuring that you hire a real pro, not the cheapest bidder. He sends a good message, do your homework on who you hire, and bring in the right trades for the right jobs.

please read my posts before responding

That aside, other than his fascination with screws, I think he is quite knowledgable and does good work. My main problem with him-as Willie mentioned, everything seems to have no cost attached, I don't see it as a realistic relationship.

The show i prefer is real reno's. They do great work, and you get a much more realistic idea of the reno process.

Bottom line is if I don't dig holmes as much, thats my opinion... I think his heart is in the right place, I just find him a bit arrogant, because nobody is perfect, including him, and sometimes watching all his different shows on HGTV, superstar challenges, just takes himself a bit too seriously. The guy from real reno's is more humble, that's all.

My advice to anyone wanting to avoid a nightmare scenario like you see on Holmes on Holmes, is do your homework and be aware of anyone who is much much cheaper than the competition.

I have watched many of his shows, and he is way over the top. In regards to his budget (which he does have one) he is almost always over. In fact in 2009 he was so far over budget on his jobs, he owed the network money, even after his paycheck. He makes more money with his books and other endorsements. When he does someones house, they are expected to pay what ever they can, some have money, and some do not. Up here in Igloo land we do have some differences, first of all NO igloos, but if we did.... it would mean we would have a whole lot of cheap ( I mean affordable housing) for Holmes to work on. Like to see him work on an igloo, now that would be coool. Sorry for the pun but had to put it in there.

Could you imagine going to a customers house to tile the bathroom floor, and billing them for a new tile floor, new toilet, new tub, new light fixtures. NOT REALITY, they would tell you to stick your bill up your butt. Because Holmes has the network behind him he can do all of that. I think it makes the real working stiff look bad.

yeah i'm curious how the whole process works. Seems like (in the original program anyways) the HO would have spent all their money already, or be on a very fixed income. The work is always top dollar and then some, like 20 000 extra's here and there.

I'm guessing the sponsors pay the tv show, and the tv show covers the majority of the costs of the reno, as it is their material to stay on TV. Good deal for the homeowner's anyways. Just as long as people keep in mind it is made for TV.

Actually Chris, his foundation pays for the job costs. Sponsors give materials that are not on the market yet to try out.

Fixrite, actually if you pay attention to these jobs that Holmes is doing, it comes down to the fact, that the shoddy work that was done by the crooked contractor, usually warrants a complete reno job in most cases. Mike just doesn't show up on a job and goes "floor is bad, so redo everything." What you are missing, is that the producers cut out the majority showing why the job needs done.

Any reno show on DIY, TLC, HGTV at the most with the pretty boys, or home owners doing the work, such as on "Renovation Realities", are unrealistic.

Even if some of his methods are questionable, the two things he does real well are helping homeowners in need, and promoting skilled trade.
Anybody that does a home repair or reno based on what they saw on a TV show is the one with a problem.

The Holmes Foundation is a charitable foundation that supports the training of youth in the skilled trades, through apprenticeships, scholarships and bursaries

Actually Chris, his foundation pays for the job costs. Sponsors give materials that are not on the market yet to try out.

Fixrite, actually if you pay attention to these jobs that Holmes is doing, it comes down to the fact, that the shoddy work that was done by the crooked contractor, usually warrants a complete reno job in most cases. Mike just doesn't show up on a job and goes "floor is bad, so redo everything." What you are missing, is that the producers cut out the majority showing why the job needs done.

I wonder occasionally how Mike or the producers find these homes that would fill a 1 hr. show. Usually, the damage we see is after Damion & crew gets there and starts pulling sheetrock down.